The automotive aftermarket has long been shaped by a combination of technical innovation and enthusiast culture. Within this space, industry associations play a vital role in steering development, regulation, and community engagement. Among the prominent of these organizations is the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), which serves as a hub for manufacturers, retailers, and media related to performance parts and accessories. Over the years, SEMA has evolved from a niche trade group into a multifaceted body representing more than 7,000 companies, many of which focus on customization, motorsports, and emerging vehicle technologies. The association hosts one of the largest automotive trade shows globally, drawing thousands of industry professionals annually to Las Vegas.
As the market has diversified, so too has the association’s focus. SEMA has extended its efforts into regulatory advocacy, youth outreach, and digital communication. These shifts reflect broader changes across the industry, where traditional marketing strategies have been replaced or enhanced by influencer engagement, social media campaigns, and online education. The association’s growth has required leadership that understands both its legacy and its future, balancing tradition with adaptation. Within this evolving landscape, professionals with cross-functional experience in media, marketing, and brand development have found increasing relevance.
Dan Kahn’s tenure within SEMA reflects this intersection of tradition and innovation. Kahn, a marketing executive and entrepreneur with experience in journalism and public relations, has served in multiple leadership roles within the organization. His contributions span more than a decade and include two elected terms on the board of directors. Kahn’s board service has placed him in strategic positions, allowing him to help guide SEMA’s response to shifting consumer expectations and the rise of digital communication.
Beyond board membership, Kahn has chaired two key initiatives within SEMA: the Show Committee and the youth engagement task force. The Show Committee is responsible for planning and executing the annual SEMA Show, which spans over 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space. The event is attended by more than 160,000 people, including exhibitors, media, and buyers from over 100 countries. Under Kahn’s chairmanship, the committee addressed logistical and promotional challenges during a period marked by rapid growth in digital marketing and social platform integration.
Kahn also led the youth engagement task force, an initiative designed to bring younger audiences into the aftermarket community. His role in this effort aimed to address a long-standing concern in the automotive space: generational disconnect. While car culture had historically been passed down through direct mentorship or family tradition, shifting consumer behaviors and priorities have changed how younger demographics interact with vehicles. The task force focused on making automotive careers more visible and attractive to students and early-career professionals by leveraging online media, industry mentorships, and hands-on experiences.
Recognition of Kahn’s contributions came in 2019, when he was named SEMA Person of the Year. This annual award, presented during the SEMA Show, is one of the organization’s notable honors. It acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated significant commitment to the industry and to SEMA’s mission. The award announcement highlighted Kahn’s service on the board, his leadership of the youth engagement initiative, and his work on the Show Committee. The May 2020 issue of SEMA News Magazine included a profile of Kahn, documenting the reasoning behind his selection and outlining the broader impact of his volunteer efforts.
While his work with SEMA is one aspect of a broader career, Kahn’s role within the association has positioned him at the center of discussions about the future of the aftermarket. His dual background in editorial publishing and integrated marketing has informed a leadership style that bridges communication gaps between legacy brands and new audiences. In this way, his service with SEMA illustrates how industry associations can benefit from leaders who operate at the convergence of media and manufacturing.
The influence of SEMA as an organization continues to expand. In recent years, the association has launched initiatives focused on legislative advocacy and compliance training, broadening its reach beyond trade shows and consumer engagement. Kahn’s efforts in the youth engagement task force aligned with these broader goals, ensuring that the organization’s growth remained inclusive and forward-facing.
As the automotive aftermarket continues to adapt to electrification, automation, and evolving regulatory standards, voices like Kahn’s—grounded in communication and connected to enthusiast culture—are likely to remain part of the conversation. His contributions to SEMA, both documented and ongoing, reflect the challenges and opportunities that face the sector. They also underscore the importance of cross-generational engagement, an issue that many industries continue to navigate.
